Play: Beaches

Old Orchard Beach offers 7 miles of free beaches with plenty of room for a variety of summertime activities. We have everything you need to enjoy a beautiful summer day in Maine. If you decide to catch a tan, build a sandcastle, boogie-board, body surf, toss a Frisbee or read a great novel, you can enjoy it all on our powdery, pristine white sand that meanders through five communities; Pine Point, Old Orchard, Ocean Park, Ferry Beach, ending it's great massiveness at the mouth of the Saco River in Camp Ellis. The beach also hosts a number of events, including family sand sculpture competition, s'mores and more bonfires, beach olympics, beach raid, annual lobster dip and so much more. In Old Orchard Beach alone, there is fireworks every Thursday night all summer long, an oceanfront amusement park, arcade, restaurants, bars and clubs, great shops and the Old Orchard Beach Pier. Elsewhere in the Old Orchard Beach region, there's kayaking on the Saco River, parasailing, jet skiing, fishing excursions, water parks, a drive-­in and Maine's largest amusement park.

Subcategories:

Bayview Beach

Bayview Beach is a small stretch of coast located on the seven-mile expanse of white sands that connect Pine Point and Saco Bay. Bayview is a quiet beach, perfect for sunbathing and beach combing. Lifeguards are stationed from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day and dogs are not allowed on the beach.

Camp Ellis Beach

The local beach is quite small and used primarily by Camp Ellis residents. Located at the mouth of the Saco River, the long breakwater is an ideal location for a long walk on the edge of the Atlantic. Fishing charters, kayak rentals and public parking are available for visitors to utilize.

Fortune’s Rocks Beach

This two-mile stretch of beach extends along the ocean front from Biddeford Pool to Fortune Rocks. There is plenty of room for relaxation or play. Surfing, surf kayaking, body-boarding and skim-boarding are all popular at this location. The sand is hard-packed and ideal for jogging or walking. Parking is by permit only and can be obtained from the Biddeford City Hall.

Old Orchard Beach

Old Orchard Beach is a broad, white sand beach, seven miles long at low tide that is perfect for relaxing & enjoying the sun. At high tide, space to throw a towel down is at a premium. There is a pier that extends 500 feet over the Atlantic Ocean. The town square offers food, shopping, amusement, and nightlife events. Concerts and fireworks are held weekly during the summer months. A seaside amusement park with carnival food combined with the fresh Maine air is sure to add excitement and memories to your visit that will last a lifetime.

Pine Point Beach (Hurd Park)

Pine Point Beach extends four miles from the jetty at Pine Point to Old Orchard Beach. It offers sand, swimming, surfing, a snack bar, and restrooms without the crowds of nearby Old Orchard Beach. In 2011, Pine Point Beach was voted 'Best Beach in Maine' by readers of the Portland Press Herald. Municipal parking is available for a fee.

Scarborough Beach State Park

Some of the best swimming in Maine can be found at Scarborough Beach with water temps averaging in the high 60's throughout July & August. However, caution should be exercised due to rip currents that occur on a daily basis and water activities should be conducted in the designated lifeguard areas. This is a popular sandy beach with a concession stand, public showers, lifeguards, restrooms, and bike racks.